If you've ever wondered why your hearing aids come with those little silicone tips of various sizes, you aren't alone.
As an audiologist, I spend a surprising amount of time talking about these tiny pieces that make a huge difference in your hearing experience.
These little mushroom-shaped pieces at the end of your hearing aid are called domes, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference between perfectly clear sound and constant frustration. Let me explain why these modest accessories deserve much more attention than they usually get.
What exactly is a hearing aid dome?
Domes are small, flexible silicone cups that attach to the end of your hearing aid's receiver or tube. They sit inside your ear canal and serve several essential functions:
Creating a seal that prevents sound from escaping (which causes feedback)
Keeping the device comfortably in place all day
Protecting the speaker from earwax and moisture
Influencing sound quality based on their design
Think of them like the silicone tips on in-ear headphones, but designed specifically for hearing amplification rather than listening to music.
The three main types of domes
Not all domes are created equal. The type you need depends on your hearing loss profile and the shape of your ear canal.
Open domes: These feature openings or vents that allow natural sound to mix with amplified sound. They are ideal for mild hearing loss, especially if you hear low frequencies well but struggle with high frequencies. The vents prevent the "plugged-up" feeling that some users experience.
Recommended for:
Mild hearing loss
Good low-frequency hearing
New users getting used to hearing aids
People prone to occlusion (the echo of their own voice)
Closed domes: These provide a tighter seal in the ear canal and prevent amplified sound from escaping. They are better suited for moderate hearing loss or when you need more power across all frequencies.
Recommended for:
Moderate hearing loss
Hearing loss across all frequencies
Reducing feedback issues
Maximum sound clarity
Power domes: This is a variation of the closed dome with an even tighter seal. Our Atom and Ion ranges both offer several dome options to meet different needs, although the specific models vary by device.
Why size really matters
Wearing a dome that is the wrong size is like wearing shoes that don't fit: uncomfortable at best, painful at worst. Here is what happens when the size isn't right:
Too small:
The dome falls out easily
Poor sound quality
Frequent feedback (whistling)
The device pushes into the ear canal
Reduced bass response
Too large:
Discomfort or pain
Fullness feeling in the ear
Difficulty inserting and removing the device
Risk of ear canal irritation
Can push earwax deeper
The right size:
Comfortable all-day wear
Optimal sound quality
Minimal feedback
Secure fit without being tight
Easy insertion and removal
I have seen patients literally catch their breath when they find the perfectly fitted dome. "Is this what they're supposed to sound like?" they ask me. The answer is yes. The right dome doesn't just prevent problems: it unlocks the full potential of your hearing aids, with sound so natural and clear that many users compare the difference to moving from standard definition to high definition.
How to find the perfect size
Most people need different dome sizes for each ear. Yes, your two ear canals are likely not the same size! Here is how to determine the right fit:
The insertion test: when you insert your hearing aid with the right size dome, you should feel:
A gentle seal (like well-fitted earplugs)
No pain or significant pressure
The device stays in place when you move your jaw
The hold test:
Open your mouth wide
Move your jaw from left to right
Gently shake your head
The hearing aid should stay securely in place
The comfort test: after 30 minutes of wear:
No pain
No feeling of fullness in the ear
You have more or less "forgotten" you were wearing them
Both the Atom 2 and Ion ranges come with several dome sizes (usually small, medium, and large). Start with the medium size, then adjust.
Common dome problems and solutions
"My hearing aid keeps falling out"
First, try a larger dome size. If that doesn't work, switch from an open to a closed dome for a better hold. Some people also benefit from using different sizes for each ear.
"I hear my own voice too loudly" (occlusion)
This resonance or echo effect occurs when the ear canal is completely blocked. Try to:
Switch to open domes
Use a smaller size
Change the insertion depth
Users of the Ion range have an advantage here: the behind-the-ear format naturally reduces occlusion compared to completely-in-canal models.
"I have feedback when I chew or smile"
Your ear canal changes shape when you move your jaw. Try:
A softer, more flexible dome
A slightly smaller size
A different insertion angle
"I have itching after wearing them"
This can indicate:
A sensitivity to the dome material (rare, but possible)
A dome that is too large, causing irritation
A need for better ear hygiene
Moisture accumulation
Be sure to clean your domes daily and let your ears "breathe" when you take your hearing aids out in the evening.
The dome maintenance schedule
Even the best-fitted dome doesn't last forever. Here is your maintenance schedule:
Every day:
Wipe the domes with a dry cloth
Check for earwax accumulation
Ensure they are securely attached
Every week:
Remove the domes and clean them thoroughly
Inspect them for tears or deformations
Clean the speaker opening
Every month:
Perform a deep cleaning with a hearing aid cleaning solution
Check the flexibility of the domes (they should not be rigid)
Consider replacing them if they show signs of wear
Every 2 to 3 months:
Replace the domes, regardless of how they look
Used domes lose their elasticity and shape
New domes mean better sound and more comfort
Atom Pro 2 users: your UV cleaning case disinfects the devices, but you must still physically clean the domes to remove earwax and residue.
When to try other types of domes
Your hearing and preferences may change over time. Consider trying a different type of dome if:
Your hearing has changed (time for a new hearing test?)
You are experiencing new feedback problems
Your current domes feel less comfortable than before
You frequent other environments more often (transitioning from office to retirement?)
You have lost or gained significant weight (yes, that can change the shape of the ear canal!)
The pro tip that few people know
Here is what I share with all my patients: always keep a spare set of domes with you.
They are tiny, and losing one when you are out and about can ruin your day. Both CLARIA ranges come with extra domes, but I recommend ordering an extra set to keep in your car, your bag, or at the office.
Furthermore, many people are unaware that the choice of dome influences battery life. Open domes consume less power because natural sound mixes with amplified sound. Closed domes require more amplification, which can slightly reduce battery life.
The good news? Both the Atom 2 and Ion ranges offer 24 to 48 hours of use: the issue rarely arises.
Changing domes
If you have been using the same size and type of dome since day one, it might be time to experiment. Many users find that their preferences evolve after the adjustment period. What felt comfortable in the first week isn't necessarily so after six months.
Don't hesitate to test different combinations. Some of my most satisfied patients use:
Open domes in quiet environments
Closed domes at restaurants and during social events
Different sizes in the morning and evening (ears can slightly swell throughout the day)
The different hearing profiles of the Ion Pro work wonderfully with several dome choices, allowing you to optimize your listening based on the situation.
The key takeaways about domes
These tiny silicone pieces might seem insignificant, but they are essential to the success of your fitting. The right dome means:
Better sound quality
Increased comfort
Fewer feedback problems
Longer device life
Greater satisfaction with your hearing aids
Take the time to find the dome that fits you perfectly. Your ears will thank you, and you will get the most out of your hearing investment.
If you encounter difficulties with the fit or comfort of your domes, remember that the CLARIA lifetime support team is here to help. We can guide you in choosing sizes, suggest other models, and even help you order replacement domes. With our 45-day trial period, you have plenty of time to experiment with different dome configurations to find what suits your ears best. Because when it comes to hearing aids, it's often the smallest details that make the biggest difference.
[DISCOVER CLARIA HEARING AIDS]
